Final preparations are under way for St Patrick's Day celebrations in towns and cities across Northern Ireland.
In Belfast, a carnival starting at 1200 GMT will be followed by a concert at Custom House Square, headlined by teenage grime rapper Chipmunk.
In Londonderry, events include Irish music and dancing at Victoria Market, as well as a carnival parade.
The biggest event will be in Dublin, where up to 500,000 people will witness the annual parade spectacular.
It will be led by former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Packie Bonner.
St Patrick's Day will also be marked around the world by people with Irish heritage, as well as those who want to get into the spirit of the day.
Among those marking the day is US President Barack Obama, who will meet First and Deputy First Ministers Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness at a White House reception.
CCTV
Plans are in place in the Holyland area of south Belfast to ensure the day passes off peacefully, with police monitoring the area by CCTV.
Last year, riot police were called to the area after house parties spilled out onto the streets.
Queen's University and Students' Union have urged students to conduct themselves in a responsible and sensible manner.
In an open letter, Vice-Chancellor Peter Gregson and Students' Union President Shane Brogan warned students that anti-social behaviour would not be tolerated.
"If any Queen's student is found to have brought the university into disrepute, they will be subject to the full rigour of its disciplinary code," they said.
Legend
St Patrick's Day is held on 17 March, which is believed to be the day he died.
Patrick was captured by Irish raiders from his home in Wales and reputedly herded sheep on the slopes of Slemish in County Antrim during his captivity.
He managed to make his way home after six years, but later returned to Ireland with a mission to convert the Irish to Christianity.
Legend has it that he used the shamrock to teach the concept of the Holy Trinity and banished snakes from the island.
It is unlikely there ever were any snakes in Ireland, but the snake story may be a reference to serpent, a symbol of evil, and the driving out a reference to Patrick's mission to rid Ireland of pagan influence.
In Belfast, a carnival starting at 1200 GMT will be followed by a concert at Custom House Square, headlined by teenage grime rapper Chipmunk.
In Londonderry, events include Irish music and dancing at Victoria Market, as well as a carnival parade.
The biggest event will be in Dublin, where up to 500,000 people will witness the annual parade spectacular.
It will be led by former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Packie Bonner.
St Patrick's Day will also be marked around the world by people with Irish heritage, as well as those who want to get into the spirit of the day.
Among those marking the day is US President Barack Obama, who will meet First and Deputy First Ministers Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness at a White House reception.
CCTV
Plans are in place in the Holyland area of south Belfast to ensure the day passes off peacefully, with police monitoring the area by CCTV.
Last year, riot police were called to the area after house parties spilled out onto the streets.
Queen's University and Students' Union have urged students to conduct themselves in a responsible and sensible manner.
In an open letter, Vice-Chancellor Peter Gregson and Students' Union President Shane Brogan warned students that anti-social behaviour would not be tolerated.
"If any Queen's student is found to have brought the university into disrepute, they will be subject to the full rigour of its disciplinary code," they said.
Legend
St Patrick's Day is held on 17 March, which is believed to be the day he died.
Patrick was captured by Irish raiders from his home in Wales and reputedly herded sheep on the slopes of Slemish in County Antrim during his captivity.
He managed to make his way home after six years, but later returned to Ireland with a mission to convert the Irish to Christianity.
Legend has it that he used the shamrock to teach the concept of the Holy Trinity and banished snakes from the island.
It is unlikely there ever were any snakes in Ireland, but the snake story may be a reference to serpent, a symbol of evil, and the driving out a reference to Patrick's mission to rid Ireland of pagan influence.
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